God, Can You Hear My non-Speaking Voice? A lot is said in Silence... #Autism #AutismAwareness #Faithbased #SoulSearching

 

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Get a copy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Books-a-Million

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

As you've seen, it hasn't been a year of many blog posts for BB.  If one's heart isn't in it, it shouldn't be shared.  Pero, this post fills Babushka's corazon completely, on so many levels.  

First, it's about a child with Autism. La Princesa,  BB's granddaughter extraordinaire, is on the Autism spectrum.  Secondly, it's written by a dear amiga, Christine Goulbourne. We go back many lunas, and her love and life as a madre of a non-speaking child has been many a conversation and concern. A dedicated advocate, Christine has worked in the public and private sector about special needs children.  It was on a blogger convention that we met. BB with her Baile, and Christine with Sensory Friends.

https://www.sensoryfriends.com/

1. Your book is based on your son Ritchie. Tell us a little about the inspiration for this book.  

The book "God, Can You Hear My-Nonspeaking Voice," is inspired by my son Richie who is this great 21-year-old guy who has autism. Richie is charming, funny, and incredibly smart, and even though he is non-reliably speaking (because he does have some words he uses efficiently), he gets his message across. Richie and I recite the Lord's Prayer every night together. It took some time, but he learned it and says it quite well.  

2. What do you hope people feel/will take from this book? Praying with and listening to Richie pray each night is a remarkable thing to witness. It made me realize that parents can try to teach their sons and daughters who have autism or any disability how to pray to our wonderful God. It's a beautiful way to bond spiritually and develop your relationship with God together. Even if your child or adult son or daughter cannot speak out loud, who can prove that they will not memorize or learn what is prayed every evening? For families like mine who have struggled with going to an in-person service because of access, acceptance, or sensitivity as a barrier, it's difficult to hold on to religious customs and traditions. Even if worshiping the Good Lord in person is not possible at this time, knowing that God hears us all, knows our hearts, still loves us, and gives us His grace, may inspire families to worship online together or simply come together in daily or nightly prayer.  

"God, if you can hear my non-speaking voice, I want to go to church with my family. "

God, Can You Hear My Non-Speaking Voice?

3. How do you see the future for those on the autistic spectrum? I see the autistic community continuing to make progress across all legislative fronts.  They have become efficient and result-producing advocates for improving community inclusion and increasing employment opportunities. These are among the many issues that the autistic community is actively advocating for on behalf of their community and the disability community overall.  I see growth and as an integrationist, I believe these are issues for which we all should take an active role. 

4. Are there more books in the future? Yes, I'm excited to share that there is a series of children's books I am working on, and the first is about to be published! In the new year, I am going to release, "The Rabbit in the Window," a book about a rabbit with autism, who at first, is reluctant to make friends with two other forest animals. In time, they learn about each other and become the best of friends. Like other books in this new series, all the stories celebrate and teach acceptance and inclusion. They illustrate that there are friendships of all kinds that may be different because of how you play, communicate, and share things with new friends with disabilities. Then you find out that the differences don't change what you still have in common. It doesn't change the laughter and fun to be had as friends. Children will learn they are more alike than different and that friendship is just friendship. 

"God, if you can hear my non-speaking voice, I want to make friends."

God, Can You Hear My Non-Speaking Voice?

For understanding, encouragement, heartfelt sentiment,

 BB can't recommend this book enough.  

Babushka Besos a Todos.

Cuidensen.

Website: https://www.sensoryfriends.com

Book page: https://www.sensoryfriends.com/god-can-you-hear-my-non-speaking-voice.html

Giveaway: https://www.sensoryfriends.com/sensory-friendly-events.html

Because They're Worth The Extra Effort. How to Save & Invest con ABLE United #sponsored

ABLE United has chosen Bloggin' Mamas once again to help share their program and insights.  Babushka is very feliz and proud that they have picked her for this campaign and opinions expressed are all BB's.

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Time. El Tiempo. It goes by so quickly doesn't it? Unless it's something you don't like, or something that seems unsurmountable.  For BB that would be saving dinero.  Quee??  Y'all thought at this age Babushka would have had that all figured out verdad?  JU SO FONII!!!  Pero at this age BB has something worth making the extra effort.  Just ayer The Trio were babies, and now their babies are growing up.  There are things this abuela would like them to have.  For La Princesa, her autism will make things a little trickier to realize her dreams.  ABLE United savings is definitely a plus to achieving them. 

"Financial decisions impact our everyday lives, from budgeting for weekly groceries to determining investment options for retirement. Financial literacy is the first step to achieving financial independence; however, many in our community need resources and targeted education to help them better understand the issues affecting their finances – particularly the disability community.

Results from the National Disability Institute’s report on Financial Capability of Adults with Disabilities tell us that people with disabilities are having more difficulty than others covering expenses, paying bills, saving, coming up with funds in an emergency, planning ahead, and effectively managing money. In fact, responses to a survey measuring basic financial knowledge showed that individuals with disabilities showed to be twice as challenged compared to individuals without disabilities.

In celebration of National Financial Literacy Month, ABLE United is hosting a webinar on how you can save tax-free and invest for you or your loved one’s future. Representatives from Callan, ABLE United’s investment consultants, will help current and prospective account holders understand investing, risk, performance, and the differences between each of ABLE United’s investment options."

How to Save and Invest with ABLE United Webinar

Thursday, April 19th

12 – 1 P.M. EST

Register today!

If you’re not already an ABLE United account holder, sign up today by visiting ableunited.com

and start saving for a better life experience – and make sure to use “BABUSHKA17” upon sign-up to receive a free enrollment package.

Y alli lo tienen Beautifuls, there you have it. All the details and encouragement to save for your loved one.Porque time goes so quickly and it's not as difficult as you imagine it to be.

BB2U

Jump Start $avings con ABLE United.

This is a sponsored post with ABLE United & Bloggin' Mamas.  Two companies that fill BB's corazon with smiles. Opinions expressed are Babuhska's. 

ESOOOO!! That's what BB think when she thinks about ABLE United.

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!!

🎄🎄‘Tis the season for giving, and ABLE United is in the holiday espirito! 🎄🎄

In addition to recently reducing the monthly account fee to $0.00, they are also offering individuals who create a new account during the months of November and December the opportunity to win a $1,000 contribution – and if you use my promo code “BABUSHKA17” during registration, they will send you un regalito.

OJO !! Importante to note, especially during the holiday season, that anyone may contribute to an ABLE United account via the eGift portal, check, money order, cashier’s check, or automatic contribution. Y'all know Babushka's on ese!

ABLE United provides family members and amigos with the opportunity to make a gift to an individual with a disability in the same manner as they would to a 529 college savings account. Beautifuls, be mindful of some of the differences between an ABLE United account and a 529 college savings account. Las diferencias you should take into consideration might include:

- ABLE United accounts can only receive up to $14,000 in contributions from all sources per year (limite increases to $15,000 in 2018).

- Funds in an ABLE United account can be used tax-free for a wide variety of qualified disability expenses including housing, transportation, medical, and even basic living expenses.

To see how ABLE United has helped people like you plan for – and fund – their future, click here to read Bridget Hawk’s story on how her son used his ABLE account to save for his first car.

And now a BB Twofer. Open your account by December 31, 2017, and you could be the one lucky winner to receive a $1,000 account contribution from ABLE United! ESOOO!! Peace of mind on you loved one's future finance and un chance to give that finance a good boost via un premio!  

 To get started, click here http://bit.ly/BBABLEUnited – and if you have preguntas along the way, call their customer service hotline at 1-888-524-ABLE (2253) or email them at customerservice@ableunited.com.

Feibu:  https://www.facebook.com/ABLEUnited/

Website: http://bit.ly/BBABLEUnited

Happiest of Holidays, and here's to our children's futures!!

BB2U

Planning for Hoy, Manana and the Futuro #ABLEunited & #SpecialNeeds

As a Bloggin' Mamas Mamabassador, BB is happy to share her conocimientos of ABLEunited with you. Como siempre, opinions son de this abuela of an autistic princesa.

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Babushka believes in doing everything in her alcance to empower and support mi familia- especialmente The Grands. Some things are harder than others, especially with my Granddaughter La Princesa who's autistic. But does that mean we don't look for every possible to insure her future too? JU SO FONII !!! Felizmente there's a programa that's going to do eso mismo.

"The National Disability Institute reports that an estimated 1.9 million households that include an individual with a disability do not have a checking or savings account. Many lack adequate financial education and the necessary tools to grow their savings. Until now, some were not even provided the same opportunities to save as the general population.

Individuals with disabilities who rely on government means-tested assistance programs to meet their needs were previously limited to only $2,000 in assets. This effectively prevented them from planning for the future and forced them to live in poverty. But now, this $2,000 asset limit is no longer a barrier.

ABLE United offers individuals with disabilities the opportunity to save up to $14,000 each year, tax-free, without negatively impacting federal benefits.

Some of the benefits of ABLE accounts include:

- Access

- Flexibility

- Funeral and burial payments

- Doesn’t require attorney

- No monthly cost or cost to open

- Already approved by SSA and Medicaid"

That's the language oficial from ABLEUnited. Babushka y familia already know La Princesa would benefit from this, pero how does an ABLE account compare to other financial planning tools, such as a special needs trust?

We'll be sure to atender ABLE United and special needs attorney Travis Finchum in a discussion of the attributes of both types of accounts, to help determine the best choice for us. Join us so tu tambien can make and informed decision on what's best for your familia, your loved one, or the people you serve.

Register HERE for the webinar.

Y si son como Babushka, if you agree that this is something super especial for the Special Needs persona in your life, sign up with el codigo BABUSHKA17 and know you've made a very important contribution to their vida. 

Start saving here and now con BABUSHKA17!!

Nos vemos el 26- See you there!

BB2U

Because ♫All You Need is Love♫ y Los #BeatBugs

Babushka is part of the Beat Bugs Dream Team and received merchandise to facilitate this post. Opinions belong to BB and Cristyl's Crew.

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!!!

As an abuela, it's part of my job to teach history to The Grands- and not just our particular familias history. Being BB, The Arts y la musica are areas of special interest and of course as Grandmother one must go GRAND, and The Beatles definitely fit that bill. When asked who were the Beatles, El Dr. replied with, "Aren't they the band from the 20's?" Feeling old, pero glad to be not that old, Babushka gave him the correct years.  Felizmente no explanation was needed for the younger two.

As El Dr. explained, the Beat Bugs series on Netflix is based on the songs of The Beatles. 

"The Legacy

Created by Josh Wakely, Beat BugsTM, is an Emmy Award-winning animated kids series featuring music made famous by The Beatles. The story revolves around the lives and adventures of five best friends; charming and funny childlike bugs who explore and learn in their suburban backyard home. Each episode ties in a new cover of a song made famous by The Beatles in an innocent and child-friendly fashion, sung by one of the characters or guest stars that include mega-musicians P!nk (“Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds”), Sia (“Blackbird”), Aloe Blacc (“Rain”), The Shins (“The Word”), Jennifer Hudson (“I’ll Follow the Sun”), and more. Beat Bugs introduces a new generation to the music of the most influential band in rock history.  www.BeatBugs.com #BeatBugs

The Entertainment

Beat Bugs is a HEART-filled series about the possibilities, dangers, and rewards of one’s imagination, brought to life in beautiful 3D CGI Animation.  Geared toward preschoolers, each 11 minute Beat Bugs episode is loosely-based on the lyrics of a Beatles song.  So far, families can enjoy Seasons 1 and 2 (52 episodes) exclusively on Netflix.  So travel along, (be mindful to tip-toe around the backyard), and sing-a-song with Buzz, Walter, Crick, Jay and Kumi, and watch the kids delight in real music mastery."  

BUENISIMO!

" More so than any other show of its kind, the Beat Bugs has the ability to truly bring generations together through music. " And they ain't just whislin' La Guantanamera Beautifuls!!

Along with the Beat Bugs series the merchandise is cute, colorful, loveable and makes the learning of the songs so much easier. Pa' que vean, La Princesa only saw the DVD once, and gracias to the quality, even with Autism, she was entertained and captured. BB's not being Cuban here, see for yourselves. Y aqui if you gotta hear it and ver mas detalles.

Didn't La Princesa do a great job? As parte of the Beat Bugs Dreamteam BB received the cositas shown, pero you can get the Beat Bugs DVD, Willie muneco, and book at Target.

There will be time later to introduce The Grands to The Beatles. Right now they're enjoying themselves, learning new music, and being reminded la verdad.

♫All You Need is Love.♫

BB2U

Happy Cumples & Gracias to #ABLEUnited ! #DisabilitySavings #sponsored #ambassador

This is a sponsored post between ABLEUnited and Bloggin' Mamas. As part of their Mamabassador program BB cheerfully and gratefully shares their message. Opinions are Babushka's- como always. 

 HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Guess who turned One? Quee?? JU SO FONII!!! No, it wasn't my granddaughter La Princesa, aunque the one we're celebrating is definitivamente an important part of her life and those like her. Since last July, ABLEUnited has been helping familias with special needs children to save for their future without endangering any government ayuda they receive. Ya tienen el año and in celebration they're waving all sign up fees!

"ABLE United is Florida’s qualified ABLE program, which was established to encourage and assist people with disabilities to save private funds to support health, independence and quality of life. It allows individuals to save up to $14,000 annually without affecting benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid while the funds in the account grow tax-free. Funds can be used on qualified expenses covering a wide range of categories including housing, transportation, and basic living expenses.  "

“For years, individuals receiving federal benefits were dramatically limited in the amount of money they could save, but now, they have an opportunity to truly invest in their financial future.”

"ABLE United is different from other savings and investment options available for individuals with disabilities. Benefits include:

• The funds saved in the account generally will not affect government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• The ability to use funds from the account to pay for a wide variety of expenses tax-free.
• The account is owned by the individual with the disability, though an authorized person may establish and help oversee the account.
• Anyone can contribute to the account, allowing the individual to save with the help of family and friends. "

ESOOOOOO!!! THAT's the part BB loves.

Abuelos, Tios, Primos, Family, Friends,

EVERYBODY is welcome to add to your loved ones future financial wellbeing.

To be eligible to open an ABLE United account, the individual must meet the disability and severity requirements outlined by the Social Security Administration, have experienced the onset of blindness or the disability before age 26, and be a Florida resident.  

Finally, a little piece of mind for those of us who worried about our niños and their mañanas.
BB is very grateful to have ABLEunited, congratulates them on their 1st year and wishes them

Happy Cumples, ♫ And Mucho, Many Mas!!!♫

BB2U

p.s. Prior AbleUnited posts

#Florida 's ABLE and Ready - Are You? #DisabilitySavings #ABLEUnited

#ABLEUnited #DisabilitySavings for our Children. #sponsored

Autism Awareness - #LightItUpBlue and Let them Shine!!

Why Babushka's Going to #LightItUpBlue for Understanding and Acceptance - a social good post without monetary pay, pero mucho,mucho sentimental satisfaction.

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Today hablamos on a tema very close to BB's heart. Actually, you can say it's a part of my heart, because my granddaughter La Princesa is autistic and bigger than that love and bond we have, hay que fabricarlo!!

Since April is World Autism Month, Babushka's decided to #LightItUpBlue with Autism Speaks to increase understanding and awareness of autism. The issue is deeply personal to me as an abuela of a child with autism. It’s highly likely that you know someone with autism too since the CDC estimates autism’s prevalence as 1 in every 68 children in the United States.

Autism refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.

Autism’s most obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Autism Speaks encourages parents with concerns to seek evaluation without delay, as early intervention can improve outcomes. La Princesa was diagnosed at 3. Before that we just thought she was jumpy.

The “Light It Up Blue” campaign is about more than awareness -- it is about increasing understanding and acceptance of autism.  This includes advocacy and support for people across the entire spectrum throughout their lives. It also includes advancing research into personalized treatments for autism and related conditions. BB encourages you to test your understanding of autism by taking this quiz!

Certain medical and mental health issues frequently accompany autism. They include GI disorders, seizures, sleep disturbances, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and phobias. For my granddaughter, these are a part of her.

You can help make a difference too by taking the Light It Up Blue Quiz to see how much you know about autism. If you’re moved to do so after visiting AutismSpeaks.org, please show your support for and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with autism by sharing a photo to #LightItUpBlue for Autism Awareness Month too. Also, check out Autism Speaks’ nationwide calendar of autism-friendly friendly events and activities in April.

Sooo... how much do you know sobre Autism Beautifuls? One can never know too much-

or love too much.

BB2U

Learn the Basics. Feb. 28, 8 pm #ABLEUnited #webinar #Florida #specialneeds

Babushka is honored to be part of ABLE Mama'Bassadors program between ABLEUnited and Bloggin' Mamas. Opinions stated are all BB's.

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Babushka is feeling so proud of her home state of Florida. Making sure our residents with special needs have opportunities like everyone else, we were one of the first to make a savings plan under the ABLE Act.  People with disabilities can now fund essential expenses with tax-advantaged savings under the program ABLE United This is a relatively new option for saving money without penalty of losing federal and other benefits.  Porque honestamente, doesn't everyone deserve the chance to dream and plan for a better futuro?

· Until recently, individuals receiving federal benefits were restricted in the amount of money they could save, effectively preventing them from planning for the future and leaving many with no other choice but to live in poverty.

· For individuals with disabilities, fear of losing benefits or costs of setting up special needs trust has often prevented or limited them from considering all of their options to build financial security. 

· The ABLE Act amends section 529 of the Internal Revenue Service Code allowing each state to create tax-advantaged savings accounts specifically for individuals with disabilities.

· These savings and investment accounts allow individuals to save money while maintaining federal benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.

· The ABLE Act now allows individuals with disabilities to save up to $14,000 without impacting government benefits

BB for one is glad she can help brighten our granddaughter's future a little bit by contributing to her ABLE account.  To know that La Princesa will be financially better tomorrow by what we can add hoy makes the worry a little less.  If you still have questions about ABLE United please join the webinar.

To RSVP https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6186875344380435970

BB2U

Past post on ABLE United, because if you think esto es todo Babushka's said about ABLEUnited-

JU SO FONII!!!